Top 10 Best NBA Players Older Than 30

Just like a fine wine, some players seem to be getting better and better as years go by, something that kinds of reminds us of Kobe’s latest nickname: “vino” (which is obviously Spanish or Serbian for wine).

Some players are able to sustain their incredible performances through time, while others just peak as they head towards the ladder passages of their careers, showing young ballers that they should and will respect their elders.

Today, we’re going to honor some of the league’s most gifted veterans, letting you know about the top 10 players over the age of 30, so you definitely avoid trying to go at them if you happen to find them in your local YMCA.

Honorable Mentions: JJ Redick, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo

10. Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap is one of the league’s top-notch power forwards in both ends of the hardwood, and he’s been a part of basketball elite for a very long time since finding his niche in the Atlanta Hawks before signing one of the most lucrative deals in NBA history with the Denver Nuggets.

Millsap can make you work on the low post as a very strong big man, can face up and shoot from mid and even long range, and is also a very crafty defender below the rim and all the way to the perimeter, something quite impressive considering he’s already 33 years old.

9. Kyle Lowry

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Kyle Lowry is pretty much a late bloomer, so we didn’t get to see him dominate the scene for a very long time, but has been one of the strongest scorers at the point guard position ever since becoming one of the Toronto Raptors’ go-to-guy.

Lowry’s an awesome pull-up jumper from everywhere on the floor, especially from three-point land, while he’s also able to bully ball his opposition due to his strength. Sadly, the 32-year-old is still to prove his doubters wrong, once again choking during the playoffs.

8. Dwight Howard

Credit: Doug Branson

Dwight Howard is nowhere near the major beast he used to be on the early going, but this season he proved that he’s still one of the most dominant big men in both ends of the hardwood despite being 32 years old.

Superman still wows us with his athleticism and hops, while also being a terrific rim protector and scorer. His low post game has never been elite, but he makes up for that with top-tier strength, athleticism and hops.

7. Goran Dragic

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic was yet another late bloomer, and it wasn’t until his Miami Heat stint that he got his first All-Star nod, but he’s now become one of the Eastern Conference’s most talented scorers at the point guard position.

Dragic is a crafty lefty that won’t back down against anybody as a hardnosed European competitor, and an underrated playmaker that has lacked a true support cast around him, so hopefully he can make a last stride in the Association at age 32.

6. Al Horford

Al Horford has quietly become perhaps the most important player in the Boston Celtics after Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving all fell down with a season-ending injury, even though it may not reflect much on the scoreboard.

Truth to be told, the 31-year-old power forward is a master of positioning, setting teammates up with hockey assists, a terrific defender down low and even a consistent shooter from beyond the arc, and maybe the most underrated All-Star in the league right now.

5. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol has already turned 33 years old and his value may be at an all-time low with the Grizzlies ready to kick-start their rebuilding process, but that shouldn’t stop anybody from making a huge push for him during the summer.

Besides being a former Defensive Player of the Year, Gasol is one of the smartest players you’ll find on an NBA hardwood, not to mention his incredible ball handling and playmaking abilities at the Center spot, as well as his sweet shooting stroke from three.

4. LaMarcus Aldridge

After becoming one of the deadliest elbow scorers in the league at Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge took the next step in his career by becoming the San Antonio Spurs’ go-to-guy with Kawhi Leonard sidelined with injuries.

The power forward may lack the character to single-handedly lead the Spurs the distance, but the 32-year-old Texas native still one of the most dominant low post scorers in the league as well as being a terrific rebounder.

3. Chris Paul

Chris Paul just turned 33 years old a couple of days ago but has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down whatsoever, becoming one of the main reasons why the Houston Rockets have been the team to beat all season long.

Paul is already a lock to make the Hall of Fame and one of the greatest point guards in the history of the game, an elite playmaker and backcourt defender that’s set to dominate the league for at least 3 more seasons, barring injury.

2. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is the most recent member of our 30-year-old club, but considering he’s the greatest shooter in the history of the game, we believe he has a true shot of playing and being a huge factor until he’s at least 36.

Curry’s ball handling, playmaking and shooting are off the charts and he’s constantly proving that he’s the most important member of the dominant Golden State Warriors, but he’s still got the Finals MVP accolade to win to enter basketball heaven (According to his detractors).

1. LeBron James

And naturally, who’s the best player over 30 years old if not LeBron James? The 33-year-old has been at his best despite entering his 15th season and has even appeared in every single matchup this year for the very first time in his career.

James has been doing things that haven’t been done since Karl Malone won that MVP at age 36, and he’s been single-handedly leading the lousy Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason, up to the point where they’re once again Championship contenders.